WASHINGTON (AP) — Applications for U.S. unemployment benefits increased slightly last week to a seasonally adjusted 304,000. The four-week average for claims dipped to its lowest level since October 2007, two months before the Great Recession began. The current level suggests strong momentum for the job market this month.

Here are the states with the biggest decreases and increases in applications. The data is for the week that ended April 5, one week behind the national figures:

States with the biggest decreases:

California: Down 13,982, due to fewer layoffs in services

Iowa: Down 1,266, due to fewer layoffs in manufacturing

States with the biggest increases:

Michigan: Up 4,285, due to layoffs in wholesale trade

Pennsylvania: Up 2,355, due to layoffs in construction, administrative services and manufacturing

New Jersey: Up 1,630, due to layoffs in administrative services, retail and construction

Florida: Up 1,624, due to layoffs in agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail and services

Georgia: Up 1,453, due to layoffs in manufacturing, administrative services and trade

Texas: Up 1,365, due to layoffs in manufacturing, support services, transportation and retail

Arizona: Up 1,240, no reason given

Illinois: Up 1,220, due to layoffs in construction, administrative services and trade

Washington: Up 1,080, due to layoffs in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and health care

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